Friendship is one of the best things in life. True friends look out for each other. They want to help each other know God and love Him with all of their heart, soul and mind. German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The aim of friendship is exclusively determined by what God’s will is for the other person.”

Jonathan, David’s friend, is a sterling example of true friendship. David was in exile, hiding in the Desert of Ziph, when he learned that “Saul had come out to seek his life” (1 Sam. 23:15). Jonathan went to Horesh to find David. The significance of this scene lies in Jonathan’s intent: he helped David find strength in God or, as the text puts it, he “strengthened his hand [grip] in God” (v.16).

That is a major part of Christian friendship. More than just common interests and having fun (both of which are important) is the ultimate aim of reminding each other of God’s promises in His Word. And, in so doing, giving our friends reminders of God’s wisdom, refreshing their spirit with words of His love and strengthening their grip on God.

Pray for your friends and ask God to give you the words and actions to help them find renewed strength in our God and His Word.

A true friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him.

Author

David H. Roper

Topics

Our Daily Bread